Start a Sustainable Local Online News Site
Build a Business — Supported by a Nonprofit Mission
More than 1,800 U.S. towns have no local newspaper.
With over 90 franchises, TAPinto has created a growing network of online community publishers. Each one combines civic impact with sustainable business ownership.
TAPinto provides training, technology, and infrastructure — backed by the Foundation for Local News — so you can serve your community and run a self-sustaining local news outlet.
TAPinto's support includes:
Comprehensive Training & Guidance
Comprehensive Training & Guidance
Comprehensive Training & Guidance
Access to the editorial team, sales, and operational training designed to help you grow your journalism and business.
Receive hands-on assistance with publishing, CMS tools, and ad placements whenever needed.
Technology & Support
Comprehensive Training & Guidance
Comprehensive Training & Guidance
Launch with a fully developed, mobile-friendly news platform that’s continuously maintained, so you can focus on reporting, not tech troubleshooting.
Revenue & Sales Training
Comprehensive Training & Guidance
Revenue & Sales Training
Leverage a proven suite of advertising products tailored for businesses of all sizes to sustain your newsroom.
Benefit from ready-to-use systems for billing, marketing collateral, and ad management to streamline revenue generation.
Foundation for Local News and TAPinto
Nonprofit Support for Independent Local Journalism
The Foundation for Local News, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, partners with TAPinto to enable TAPinto to provide franchise owners with infrastructure, training, and mission alignment to strengthen democracy through local journalism.
Is TAPinto Right for You?
TAPinto seeks community-focused, self-motivated, sales-oriented, and adaptable people who want to strengthen democracy and give their towns a trusted news source.
Clear Costs, Strong Support
TAPinto's costs are straightforward: a $5,000 initial franchise fee, a monthly fee of $600–$700, a 10% royalty, and approximately $350 per year for insurance. Full details on fees and obligations are provided in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Low Overhead, Lean Operations
TAPinto sites run without office space, inventory, or staff requirements. Most owner/publishers operate from home and build their team as their site grows.